Category Archives: Voices from the Grave

Voices from the Grave #34: Mae West on Mr. Ed

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Yes, I’m serious with this one. Mae West wasn’t just a performer; she was also a playwright and screenwriter. Whether you love or hate her, she still fits the bill for inclusion here.

Mae West on Mr. Ed in March 1964, when she was 70. This is the full episode, so feel free to skip ahead to the tasty/ridiculous bits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeUUoUY_YwA

 

Voices from the Grave-Joe Strummer Birthday Edition #1

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For one day only, I’m switching from literature to punk, from the imagination to concrete humanity. Today is dedicated to Joe, on what would have been his 60th birthday. He had a heart bigger than the world, and lyrical ability to match. With compassion, clarity, and righteous anger, he, along with George Bernard Shaw*, pointed me in the only direction I am meant to face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSl0w5Cqj-Y

One of my favourite songs by The Clash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa2VtNRtu04

My wedding song.

I still cry when I watch this video.

*If you think they are an odd pair to be so heavily influenced by, in equal and often parallel  measure, please check out the Pinterest board I have dedicated to them: As Far as Thought Can Reach. It might not offer an intellectual explanation, but it is fun to see them side by side.